Cater-Bake in bullish mood as it begins second year of strategic plan

Cater-Bake is entering the second year of a three-year strategic plan on solid foundations after crediting brands Fimar and Zanolli with helping it to grow annual sales by 33%.

The Merseyside pizza and bakery equipment wholesaler has invested heavily over the past 18 months in its infrastructure and team and hopes to continue its growth into years two and three of its plan.

“Cater-Bake UK has always had a great product catalogue, representing brands like Fimar and Zanolli. We also have a solid reputation for customer service and good customer relationships,” said head of sales, Steven Lilley.

In the early part of the period, Cater-Bake UK were unveiled as the official and sole UK agent for FIMAR, the Italian manufacturer of preparation and catering equipment, allowing it to move to properly promote the brand with the UK.

“Fimar is a brand we have always held in high esteem,” said Lilley “Becoming their sole UK agent has allowed us to begin a full nationwide promotion without distraction. They’ve an extensive catalogue which will be of real interest to a lot of dealers throughout the various sectors of the industry.”

It wasn’t just Fimar sales that were responsible for the growth; sales of Zanolli ovens has also increased.

“We’ve seen an increase in sales in all three of the oven ranges – pizza deck ovens, pizza conveyor ovens and bakery ovens.”

Meanwhile, managing director Mark Hutchings is satisfied with the year’s work: “It’s been a very satisfying year. We have invested heavily over the last 18 months in our team and infrastructure, so it’s extremely gratifying to see results so soon. We’ve held our nerve through recent events that were outside our control, such as Brexit, and merely adjusted our approach rather than retreat.”